Spring is here, and it’s nearly time to begin setting up your backyard and patio for the sunny summer season. If you plan to spend time outdoors this year, having the right patio furniture can make all the difference.

In this article, we’ll share what you should know about choosing the best patio furniture for your home.

Look at your budget

Patio furniture comes in all styles and budgets. You can get cheap plastic furniture (likely to crack or break in a few years), or you can invest in something more sturdily made that will last much longer. Consider how often you’ll be using the furniture, and try to budget a bit more if you value quality, long-lasting, and durable patio furniture.

Consider weather conditions

The first consideration is to decide where your furniture will go. If it's exposed to natural elements and direct sunlight, you’ll want to pick pieces that are weather resistant. You’ll want waterproof patio furniture (for those rainy spring days) and ones with fabric and material that can resist fading in the sun.

Your patio furniture location will also impact the cleaning and care needs of your patio furniture. Furniture in a solarium or covered space may not need as much cleaning as ones in the open or under trees or bushes.

Outdoor-rated furniture is usually already made to withstand most average weather conditions. However, you can help protect your furniture and make it last longer by moving it undercover when not in use (or in severe weather) and buying protective covers for it during the off-season or when not being used for long periods of time.

Choose ethical eco-friendly

Look for what eco-friendly materials your patio furniture includes. Here are some common sustainable material terms to know:

●      FSC Certified: The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international organization that promotes sustainable forest management. It’s one of the world's most respected and widespread forest certification systems. Patio furniture that has been FSC Certified means the wood in that item was harvested and managed to the highest environmental and social standards.

●      Fair Trade Certified: This means that the product supports social, environmental and economic standards for safe working environments, ecological sustainability, sustainable livelihoods, and community support.

●      Made from recyclable or reclaimed products: The wood in some patio furniture may be made from recycled wood pallets or other reclaimed materials.

●      Recyclable packaging: Patio furniture is usually bulky and comes in large packaging. Look for a manufacturer who uses recycled materials in their packaging or with packaging that is 100% recyclable to minimize waste.

Choose reliable furniture frames

Patio chairs and tables are often made with a frame of wood, powder-coated steel, or other metals:

●      Powder-coated: This is the lowest-cost option, but if it becomes scratched, it needs to be treated with a rust proof paint.

●      Aluminum: These frames are lightweight and won’t rust but are more expensive than steel frames. 

●      Cast Aluminum: These are more costly than regular aluminum but are still rust-resistant and lightweight.

●      Cast Iron: This is very durable but is heavy and can rust, requiring treatment with a rust proof paint.

●      Wood: Look for sustainably sourced acacia or bamboo (both fast-growing natural materials), reclaimed wood (from pallets or other reclaimed wood), or eucalyptus wood (also fast growing, grow quickly even in dry climates and are harvested by felling, not uprooting so replanting after harvesting isn’t necessary). Many customers say nothing beats the look and feel of real wood patio furniture.

●      Wicker: Wicker comes in flat, half-round, and double-round shapes. The one you choose is more of a personal preference, but the flat is often the least expensive option as it’s easier to weave. Full round is the most expensive as more material is needed to cover the same space.

●      Eurochord or rope: While not necessarily a frame, rope and chord can be wrapped around the furniture frame and is an emerging trend of 2023. It’s gaining popularity due to its flexibility in design, endless styles and looks, and flexible yet strong material. It is also highly resistant to wind, rain, and other inclement weather. Combining it with other materials (such as wood or aluminum) creates uniquely contrasting looks.

View the full line of 2023 outdoor furniture from JR Home.

Pick coordinating cushions

2023 is the year consumers go bold with outdoor furniture fabrics. If you want something to become a centrepiece of your outdoor space or to make a bold statement, choose outdoor furniture cushions and fabrics in bold colours and patterns. We love this trend because if you get bored of that colour a few years, it’s easy to get a new cushion or reupholster your old ones with something new.

We like choosing neutral-coloured patio furniture and accenting it with colourful cushions that you can change out any time. It’s a cost-effective way to stay on trend or change your style as often as you want, by just swapping out the cushions.

When choosing cushions, here are a few materials you should consider:

●      Look for weather- and water-resistant fabric with UV-protective coating to prevent fading or wear.

●      Poly 180 gr will be your least expensive option, with Poly 230 or 240 grams being a thicker fabric that will last longer.

●      Fill materials can vary, including foam and poly-fill, and come in various thicknesses. Choose one that feels most comfortable for you.

●      Sunbrella brand fabric is a trademarked brand fabric which has a higher cost. It’s easy to wash, low maintenance, and mold/mildew resistant, so it can look (and feel) great for years to come.

Where to get the best-quality outdoor furniture?

JR Home has a wide range of outdoor furniture using many different materials and styles. Whether you’re looking for contemporary, classic, or bold, we have many patio sets and outdoor furniture for your style and that will withstand even unpredictable outdoor weather conditions.

Check out our current line of 2023 outdoor furniture for your home today.